Bangladesh cricket is still reeling from the shocking news that Tamim Iqbal, one of the country’s most iconic cricketers, suffered a heart attack just moments after the toss during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match on March 24. The incident not only shook his team, Mohammedan Sporting Club, but sent ripples across the cricketing world.

Had everything gone as planned, Tamim would have been on the field this past weekend, leading his team in the ongoing DPL. Instead, he is now recovering at home after undergoing a heart procedure where a stent was inserted to treat a detected blockage. With his career hanging in the balance, his absence from the game is being deeply felt — especially in the Mohammedan dressing room.

In Tamim’s absence, Tawhid Hridoy has taken up the leadership reins, and the young batter is already stepping up emotionally and tactically. After leading Mohammedan to a five-wicket win over Prime Bank Cricket Club at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Hridoy made a heartfelt gesture. “We; all from Mohammedan Sporting Club, dedicate today’s victory to Tamim Iqbal bhai,” Hridoy wrote on social media. “We missed you.”

This was Mohammedan’s first match after the Eid break. Before the pause, they had already registered a dominant win over Shinepukur Cricket Club, the very game during which Tamim had his cardiac episode.

Immediately after his heart attack on March 24, Tamim received emergency treatment at KPJ Specialized Hospital and was later transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. His condition has since improved, and he has been discharged to recover at home.

However, Tamim’s journey is far from over. To better understand the underlying causes and chalk out a long-term plan for recovery, the 34-year-old opener is scheduled to fly to Singapore on Monday night for further medical consultation and advanced testing.

Doctors have advised him at least three months of rest, leaving his return to professional cricket uncertain. Tamim’s absence marks a critical point in Bangladesh cricket’s transition, especially as many of the senior players from his generation are stepping away from the field.